5 Card-Happy Referees to Watch This Weekend for Betting: Oct 19th-21st

Referee tendencies can play a big role in betting, particularly in card markets. Some officials are more lenient, while others don’t hesitate to reach for their pockets. With the weekend’s fixtures in mind, we’ve analysed recent refereeing stats and team trends to highlight five matches where you can expect a flurry of cards.

Andy Madley – Tottenham vs West Ham (Saturday, 12:30pm)

Andy Madley has generally been one of the more lenient referees in the Premier League. However, in two of his five matches this season, he has handed out five cards. Tottenham and West Ham clashes are known for their intensity, with 10 total cards shown in their last two league meetings.

One player to watch is Rodrigo Bentancur. Already on three yellow cards this season, Bentancur will need to contain West Ham’s speedy attack, which ranks fifth in dribbles per game. Fouling to stop counter-attacks could land him in the referee’s book.

Tip: Rodrigo Bentancur to be shown a card

Michael Oliver – Ipswich vs Everton (Saturday, 3pm)

With both teams sitting just above the relegation zone, this match promises to be a scrappy affair. Ipswich are among the top teams for fouls committed, while Everton rank high in tackles. Referee Michael Oliver has shown 36 cards across his first six games, including 15 in his last two.

Ipswich’s aggressive style makes them strong candidates for a high card count in this fixture.

Tip: Ipswich over 2.5 cards

Sam Barrott – Manchester United vs Brentford (Saturday, 3pm)

Sam Barrott has established himself as one of the stricter referees this season, dishing out an average of 6.4 yellow cards per game. Manchester United are currently one of the league’s most carded teams, while Brentford have been shown the joint-fewest.

Given United’s aggressive approach and Brentford’s more disciplined style, the home side is likely to rack up the cards.

Tip: Manchester United to be shown more cards

Chris Kavanagh – Wolves vs Manchester City (Sunday, 2pm)

Wolves lead the Premier League in fouls and have the fourth-highest yellow card tally this season. Up against a possession-dominant Manchester City side, they’ll likely spend much of the match defending. Referee Chris Kavanagh has issued 32 cards in five games this season, with a trend of showing at least two more cards to one team in each of his last three fixtures.

With Wolves set to do plenty of chasing, this is a prime match for a card handicap bet.

Tip: Wolves -1 card handicap

John Brooks – Liverpool vs Chelsea (Sunday, 4:30pm)

Chelsea top the league in cards received, with over 5.5 cards shown in four of their seven matches so far. Referee John Brooks isn’t afraid to flash the cards either, averaging over six per match this season. Their last two meetings with Liverpool have been heated, clearing the 5.5 total card line comfortably.

Expect another intense battle at Anfield, with plenty of cards on the way.

Odds courtesy of bet365. Correct at time of publishing and subject to change.

SAFER GAMBLING

At bettingexpert, we always take a safe approach to gambling. We’ll never bet more than we can afford or chase losses. For more advice, head to our Safer Gambling hub.